Snow chains

[snowmuncher]

Hello Folks

I know its the law to carry a set of snow chains in the winter, and that they must be the right size to fit.

Does anyone actually check that they *really* fit ?

i.e. Have the police ever order a driver to fit snow chains and demonstrate that they actually work on the vehicle ...

[UltimaCH]

Well, I have been here in Swizzyland since 1975 and have never heard it was mandatory to carry a set of snow chains in your car. Only common sense makes me keep a set in my car during winter "just in case....". The "just in case" has been necessary in one or two occasions. Certain mountain roads may be declared "snow chain mandatory" depending on the weather conditions including 4x4 vehicles. I must admit than apart from some real foul weather conditions, the snow ploughs and other heavy equipment keep most of the roads drivable with only good snow tyres.

[cake eater]

snowmuncher said:

Hello Folks

I know its the law to carry a set of snow chains in the winter, and that they must be the right size to fit.

Does anyone actually check that they *really* fit ?

i.e. Have the police ever order a driver to fit snow chains and demonstrate that they actually work on the vehicle ...

I've only lived near Geneve for 5 years but being 30 mins from Chamonix I have spent most winter weekends driving to and from the many ski resorts near me. In all that time I have only seen the police stopping people to put on snow chains a few times. On each occasion the police did turn several cars and SUVs back. I can only assume they did not have snow tyres as my snow chains were still in the boot and we were not stopped.

As the previous poster mentioned this is only in the mountains and the road signs often indicate whether they are a requirement. I would recommend tyre socks over traditional chains.
These are my particular favourites:
http://www.snowchainwarehouse.co.uk/snow_chains/ru...

but if you have to have chains then have a look at:
http://www.snowchainwarehouse.co.uk/snow_chains/ru...

Traditional chains but easier to fit and self tensioning:
http://www.snowchains.co.uk/main/klack_and_go_pro_...

Any way, even in the worst conditions I have always found the combination of scooby and snow tyres to cope well enough and the snow chains have never come out of the boot.

[snowmuncher]

I live up in the mountains during the winter, and am heading high.

Too expand upon the reasoning for my orginal question ...

I have a 4x4 car, equipped with winter tyres. The tyres are wide and low profile - not the best for fitting normal chain type snow chains too, but thats what I've got ...

To get a good fitting and highly usable set of snow chains I'm faced with the option of £200+ for the Maggitrak/ Spikes/Thule

I can get for £40 a set of chain snow-chains, which technically will fit the wheel, but may well hit wheel arch or wrap themselves round the above average sized brakes ...


angloinfo ... driving in ice & snow in the alpes

angloinfo ... driving in switzerland

edwintertires.com ... european laws

[cake eater]

If you have small clearances between tyre and the body of the car I would stay well clear of traditional chains for the reasons you have already mentioned. Obviously you hope never to use them so the option of just having them in the boot. But should you ever need them....

Whatever your preference for Maggitrak or Spikes I would spend the money. The one day you do have to use them it will make the extra expense worth every penny.

Any way, just MHO.

[chandrew]

I've never needed chains (and don't own a set) even though fresh snow fall has for much of the time been an invitation to get up to the most remote / snow-covered lift car park before the masses can get through. In France I was regularly waved through by the police with just winter tyres on the Subaru where the majority were forced to put on chains / turned back.

The subaru does wear narrow tyres on small wheels (Michelin alpins which are great). I carry a shovel in case the snow causes a clearance problem.

Wider tyres, a heavier car and a different 4wd system might cause issues. Certainly I know owners of Porsche c4s's who won't drive in snow if they can help it even with winter tyres. There is a good reason why every other mountain village has a subaru dealer.

I guess I'd ask the dealer what they recommend.

[snowmuncher]

cake eater said:

The one day you do have to use them it will make the extra expense worth every penny...

I know that logic makes sense, but the fancy low-profile chains are so much $$$ ... and I now need a new avalanche transceiver too ...

so much for new skis and skins this season

chandrew said:

... Wider tyres, a heavier car and a different 4wd system might cause issues. ...

... I actually have a Subaru Forester in the Alpes, with snow chains and winter tyres ...

I have so little trust in its traction and handling, I'm taking my VAG Haldex based car this year, as I trust it completely

Its' not that I'm worried that I need snow chains, but that someone else will force me to use them really
It was the likelyhood of this situation occuring that I was pondering.

+1 to the snow shovel; I suspect I go a bit OTT with safetly/rescue kit in the boot